--- title: Double Coat | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/double-coat/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - Double coat # Double coat A double coat has two layers: a coarse outer topcoat of guard hairs over a soft, dense undercoat. Huskies, malamutes, shepherds and many retrievers have one, and Happy Paws lists extra long or double-coated dogs in its own column on the bath chart. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) The coat explains the seasonal fur storms and why shaving is usually a bad idea. ## How the layers work The AKC explains that the topcoat repels dirt and water and protects the skin, while the undercoat insulates in cold weather and helps keep a dog cool in warm weather. The undercoat sheds most, especially at seasonal changes, in a process often called blowing coat. Examples listed by the AKC include Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Alaskan Malamutes. ## Do not shave The AKC notes that most coat-care experts advise against shaving double-coated dogs, because shaving removes both layers, the undercoat may regrow faster than the topcoat, and shaving does little to cool the dog and can raise the risk of sunburn. If a coat is a worry in summer, ask your vet for options, and keep the dog in shade and air conditioning. ## At Happy Paws Boarders can be bathed. The only published bath chart, effective January 1, 2024, has four coat columns: extra short, short, medium, and extra long or double coated, with Malamute and Husky as examples. The double-coated column runs from $35 for a dog 15 pounds or under to $85 for a dog over 100 pounds on that chart. Please ask to confirm today's price. Use the [bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/). ## Tips before a stay Brush out loose undercoat a few days before the stay so less ends up in the run. A dog in full coat blow may leave a lot of hair. Tell the staff if your dog needs a bath at pick-up and give an arrival time. See [undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/), [deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) and [boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/). ## Shedding during a stay Seasonal blowing of the coat happens twice a year for many double-coated breeds, usually in spring and fall. A stay during that time can leave drifts of loose undercoat in the run. A pre-stay brushing and a bath on the way out, if you choose, help your dog arrive home comfortable. The 2024 chart treats the coat length column separately from weight, so a husky and a lab of similar weight fall in different columns. Ask for a bath price when you book, since the only published chart is from 2024. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AKC, double-coated dog breeds](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/double-coated-dog-breeds/) - [Happy Paws Kennels bath chart, effective January 1, 2024](https://happypawskennels.com/data/bath-price-chart/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/) - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Boarder baths](https://happypawskennels.com/baths/) - [Bath price finder](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/bath-price-finder/) - [Bath price chart by weight & coat](https://happypawskennels.com/data/bath-price-chart/) ## Read next - [Undercoat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/undercoat/) - [Kuranda bed](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/kuranda-bed/) - [Slow feeder](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/slow-feeder/) - [Prong collar](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/prong-collar/) - [Lick mat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/lick-mat/) - [Pup cup](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/pup-cup/) - [PCS](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/pcs/) - [TDY](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/tdy/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Which breeds have double coats? Huskies, malamutes, shepherds, retrievers, corgis and many herding and northern breeds. ### Is a double-coated dog hotter in summer? Not necessarily; the undercoat also insulates against heat. Keep him cool and do not shave. ### Do double-coated dogs cost more to bathe? On the 2024 chart, yes. Please ask to confirm today's prices. ### Is a husky bath on the chart? Yes, Husky is the example for the extra long or double coated column. Please ask to confirm today's price.